College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

University of Dayton political science major Delali Nenonene has been selected for the esteemed Newman Civic Fellows program for his demonstrated leadership capacity and investment in solving public problems.

University President Eric F. Spina nominated Nenonene, a junior, who joins just 261 students nationwide to form the 2019-2020 cohort.

On campus, Nenonene created the "Tough Talks" series to facilitate meaningful conversations on important topics including race and the political climate in America. He also instituted training for first-year students using scenarios of prevalent issues that happen to racial minorities, LGBTQ+ students and international students.

"Delali... has a special gift to ask keen questions that reach shared solutions to challenges facing our community," Spina wrote in his nomination. "Delali does not just ask questions; he listens closely to his peers and those around him. Delali takes action by building a common vision."

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a program of the Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The program emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth through a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

"We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them," said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. "The stories of this year's Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it's what our country and our world desperately need."

More information is available at the College Compact website.